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Infrared:
Infrared technology, with its limited operating range, is primarily used in peripheral devices, such as synchronized PDAs and computer keyboards. For example, two infrared -enabled PDAs can share data wirelessly provided they are no more than a few feet apart and are in line-of-sight contact.

Bluetooth:
This technology is rapidly becoming the global standard for short distance wireless connectivity. Unlike infrared, Bluetooth doesn't require any line-of-sight contact, and it enjoys an operating range of ten meters. Bluetooth users can instruct their laptops to send information to a printer in the next room, electronically exchange business cards, or instantly subscribe to electronic mailing lists.

802.11:
This umbrella standard defines and governs wireless local area networks (WLANs) operating in the 2.4-GHz spectrum. Ratified by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) in 1997, it originally specified data transfer rates between 1 and 2 Mbs. Since its introduction, however, several standards have been developed that allow much higher data transfer rates.

802.11a:
Designated primarily for metropolitan area networks, the 802.11a standard specifies a very high frequency (5 GHz) and a very high data transfer rate (up to 54Mbps). However, this standard was ratified after 802.11b was already penetrating the market, so even though it offers higher speed and frequency, it may not be worth the switch for users who have already invested in 802.11b technology. 802.11a may also be a more costly solution, requiring more access points and higher mainteneace costs.

802.11b:
For users requiring basic file and print services, the speed and frequency of 802.11b technology is more than adequate. The 802.11b standard, adopted in 1999 and now in widespread use, allows data transfer rates of 5.5 and 11 Mbps in the 2.4-GHz spectrum.

802.11g:
This standard was created to bring data transfer rates as high as 54 Mbps to the 2.4 GHz band, appealing to owners of existing 802.11b equipment. It provides a smooth migration path to higher data rates and also ensures backward compatability with existing 802.11b equipment in that band, thus extending the life of 2.4-GHz equipment.

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